CAIRO (AP) — In his first address to the nation, Egypt’s interim leader Adly Mansour says he will protect the country against those who seek chaos and violence.

In a pre-recorded message aired Thursday on state television, Mansour says Egypt is going through a decisive period in its history where some want to drag the country into the “unknown” and cause chaos.

He said: “They want this period to be an introduction to violence and we want it to establish for the concept of protecting lives and reaffirming human rights.”

Mansour said his government is committed to realizing security and stability.

Mansour’s speech comes a day ahead of a massive rally by supporters of President Mohammed Morsi, overthrown in a coup two weeks ago. The military has warned against violence in Friday’s protests.